Everything You Need to Know About the BWF Time Clock System
The Badminton World Federation (BWF) is taking the next step in its efforts to streamline match play and reduce downtime. Following a successful pilot during the qualifying rounds of the 2025 Australian Open, the federation announced today that the new Time Clock System will be fully implemented at the upcoming Daihatsu Indonesia Masters 2026.
From January 20-25, 2026, the system will be active across all matches—both qualifying and main draw—marking a significant expansion of the trial. The initiative introduces a mandatory 25-second window between rallies, aimed at ensuring consistency in how delays are officiated and keeping the pace of play brisk.
A Clearer Standard for Delays
The introduction of the time clock addresses long-standing complaints from players regarding the subjective nature of delay penalties. Previously, enforcement varied from umpire to umpire, leading to confusion and frustration on the court.
Under the new regulations, a countdown clock will be visible court-side. While players are not required to serve within the 25 seconds, they must be in position and ready to play before the timer hits zero. The receiver is bound by the same limit but must also be ready as soon as the server is prepared, even if time remains on the clock.
More Freedom, Less Disruption
One of the most significant changes for athletes is the newfound autonomy during breaks. Within the 25-second window, players are now permitted to towel off, drink, tie shoelaces, apply cold spray, or consult with coaches without seeking explicit permission from the umpire.
However, the BWF notes that these activities must not push the break beyond the limit. If a player exceeds the time, umpires are instructed to enforce penalties for undue delay, ranging from verbal warnings to yellow or red cards.
Operational Details
The BWF outlined specific scenarios regarding court maintenance and equipment:
- Shuttle Changes: Must be requested immediately and completed within the 25-second window.
- Mopping: Short mopping breaks will see the clock continue to run, while longer, more extensive cleaning will pause the timer.
The clock will also be paused for umpire interventions, such as disputes, injury timeouts, or lengthy Instant Review System (IRS) challenges.
As the circuit heads to Jakarta next week, the badminton world will be watching closely to see how the world’s top shuttlers adapt to the stricter rhythm of the game.
Summary
Implementation Details
- Event: DAIHATSU Indonesia Masters 2026 (20–25 January).
- Scope: Full enforcement for all matches (both qualifying and main draw).
- Objective: To standardize how delays are judged and ensure matches remain fast and consistent.
The 25-Second Rule
- The Clock: A 25-second countdown begins immediately after a rally ends.
- Server Responsibility: The server does not need to serve within 25 seconds but must be “ready” (in position) before the clock hits zero.
- Receiver Responsibility: The receiver also has 25 seconds but cannot delay if the server is ready earlier.
- Monitoring: Players are responsible for watching the court-side clock themselves.
Defining “Ready”
Players are considered ready when:
- They are in their serving/receiving positions.
- Both feet are stationary and on the ground.
- The server is holding the shuttle / Receiver’s hand is down.
- Both players are looking at each other.
Player Freedoms (No Permission Required)
Within the 25-second window, players may do the following without asking the umpire:
- Talk to their coach.
- Towel off or drink.
- Tie shoelaces.
- Apply cold spray or other self-treatment.
Equipment & Court Management
- Shuttle Changes: Must be requested immediately and completed within the 25-second limit.
- Mopping: Short mopping does not stop the clock; the clock only pauses for long mopping.
Enforcement
- Penalties: Failure to be ready in time may result in an “undue delay” call, leading to a warning, yellow card, or red card.
- Exceptions: The umpire will stop the clock for injuries, disputes, referee interventions, or long IRS (challenge) decisions.
